Runway Insider: French Braids and Flawless Skin at Abaeté

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So far you've gotten the lowdown on Fashion Week from, well, the fashion side, but let me fill you in on what's going on behind the scenes! As a beauty editor, I'm lucky enough to get to sneak backstage before each show and check out the models as they get ready to walk the runway. On Friday, I went to my first show of the season, Abaeté. There, I met the key hairstylist, David Cruz for Redken, who created a 'do inspired by — believe it or not — a dude!

The designer wanted an 18th-century, French Revolutionary look to accompany her collection, so David explained how he found a hairstyle to match. Turns out, he came across a drawing of a man from the 18th century whose hair looked like a mohawk with a long braid down the back. (Picture that on Joe Jonas!) Fortunately, it's something that can definitely work on you — all it takes is a French braid, teased at the top, with a chunky velvet ribbon woven through it.

The makeup, too, is really easy to wear — it's all about looking perfectly polished without having a ton of stuff caked on. The artist was Tina Turnbow for Tarte (check out her great lipstick tips in our March Expert Issue!). She told me that the key to achieving the look is to use a tinted moisturizer a shade lighter than your regular shade. Combine that with a nude lipgloss — but apply it to both your lips AND your eyelids, just below the crease. The overall effect softens your face, but still gives you a natural sparkle!

What do you think of this look? Would you try the hairstyle? How about the gloss on your lids?